#Fjr1300a

For 2016, Yamaha upgraded the popular FJR1300ES and FJR1300A with a significant internal change while leaving the rest of the motorcycle what on the surface seems basically the same. To discern the 2016 model from the 2015 at a distance, just go by the Cobalt Blue color instead of the Candy Red. You probably won’t be pick out the cornering lights or the LED lights all around – well, maybe the restyled brake light. Oh yeah, or the blindingly bright LED high beam until after dark.

Yamaha released the first FJR1300 as a 2003 model and graced it with its most recent major update in 2013.  A year after that overhaul, the FJR1300ES, with its cool electronically adjustable suspension was announced. For 2016 Yamaha has continued its process of refining this popular, established platform with some upgrades to modernize the FJR and address some owner requests.

The press briefing at a new model introduction give us the specifics of the changes made from one model year to another. In the case of the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES and the FJR1300A, the new 6-speed transmission has sparked the most interest, which is understandable, since adding the additional cog was requested for years by both FJR owners and the moto-press alike. Well, Yamaha’s engineers didn’t just slap on an additional gear and be done with it. They also took the opportunity to adjust the gear ratios to fill some gaps they perceived in the gear spacing and polish up the overall feel of the transmission.

Yamaha is bringing the FJR1300A and FJR1300ES back for 2016, and while the bike might appear virtually identical to the previous model in these photos, there are some choice distinctions between old and new.

by Tom Roderick

Ever since man bolted a motor to a bicycle, touring has been one of the true joys of motorcycling. Sure, bouncing around town from errand to errand is easy, and commuting to work is practical – but travel by motorcycle expands the mind, relaxes the spirit and enriches the soul. There’s nothing quite like it.